Subj : Newsline Part 3
To : ALL USERS
From : DARYL STOUT
Date : Fri Dec 18 2015 04:46 am
TRANSMITTING SPIRIT ON CHRISTMAS EVE DAY
Two unique transmitters -- the first, a vintage one, the second, an
experimental one -- are delivering a Christmas Eve message this year,
so listen up:
The Alexanderson Transmitter in Sweden is more than 90 years old. But,
the tradition it inspired is perhaps 10 years old. Developed by Swedish
engineer and radio pioneer Ernst Alexanderson, a General Electric
employee in Schenectady, New York, the vintage transmitter will be tuned
up and transmitting on Christmas Eve, sending its holiday message in CW
on the VLF frequency of 17.2 kHz from Grimeton Radio/SAQ in Sweden.
The Alexanderson transmitter's tuneup will begin at 0730 UTC. The event
will also be webcast live on the webpage www.alexander.n.se - where
information about listener reports can also be found.
Once used regularly in transatlantic communications, the Alexanderson
transmitter is now a treasured museum piece. And it is put into action
only on special occasions - such as this one.
It's a special occasion too, for Brian Justin, WA1ZMS, who is pressing
his 600-meter Experimental Station WG2XFQ into service as well on
Christmas Eve. The 486 kHz transmission from Forest, Virginia, set to
begin at 0001 UTC, honors the 109th anniversary of Reginald Fessenden's
first audio transmission. The commemorative transmission will continue
for 24 hours and, according to Justin, will be repeated on New Year's Eve
and New Year's Day.
Such operations are a specialty for Justin, whose transmissions coincide
with - and honor - important dates in the history of wireless
communications.
Send listener reports to Justin at his QRZ.com address.
**
OHIO HAMS HELP NEEDY FAMILIES
Another holiday transmission, this one of hope and caring, comes to us
from Ohio. The Center of Hope in Ravenna, Ohio, has a special Santa in
the form of the Portage County Amateur Radio Service. The group's
president, Rick Kruis, K8CAV, and vice president, Jim Wilson, AC8NT,
recently donated a check for nearly $4,000 to the Center, which provides
free hot meals 5 days a week for 75 to 100 low-income residents in the
area. The Center's work is especially important in areas where no food
pantries exist.
The check was accepted by Mark Frisone, chief executive officer of
Family & Community Services Inc. He said: QUOTE "This is truly a clear
example of the impact that the Center has on our community," ENDQUOTE
The Portage County group is an ARRL-affiliated special service club.
(ARRL)
**
MERRY CHRISTMAS de SANTA
The spirit of Santa is everywhere. And just in case you missed a QSO
with the guy in the red suit, there's still time. As expected, Santa's
on the move - and he's even DXing.
For the 30th consecutive year, you can talk to Santa, OF9X - Old Father
Nine Christmas - as he travels from the Arctic Circle westward toward
the U.S. The station OF9X is active now through Dec. 28 on all bands,
including 472 kHz. The Radio Club of Arctic Circle, OH9AB, and the Radio
Club of Pusula, OH9W, with support from Radio Arcala, OH8X. There is also
an opportunity for contact with OH9SCL in Finland. QSLs should be sent
to either OH2BH or via the ClubLog at OF9X.
Closer to home in the U.S. is the Santa Claus Net on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24.
The Net will be on 14.305 to 14.325, sponsored by the 14.300 Net, from
1400 to 2000 Eastern Time. Check with the Maritime Mobile Service Net on
14.300 MHz for the actual operating frequency for Santa, or perhaps Mrs.
Claus. Or if you're looking to volunteer to be an on-air Santa, send an
email to Bob at
[email protected]
The DoDropInn EchoLink Conference Server, Christmas Eve Santa Watch Net
that starts at 1800 hrs eastern time. Dave N3NTV will be calling the net
and keeping track of Santa's location. Like last year, Santa has a radio
in his sleigh, and may chat with the kids again. Once again, Santa Watch
on Christmas Eve at 1800 hrs eastern on the *DoDropIn* Echolink conference
server #355800.
And then there's the Santa Net on 3916, which took to the air right after
Thanksgiving, and continues through Dec. 24. Check it out at 7:30 p.m.
Central Time, nightly. To check in via email first, send a quick note to
Pete, KE5GGY, at
[email protected]
**
KICKER: FINAL THOUGHTS ON HRO FOUNDER BOB FERRERO, W6RJ
And finally this week, we wrap up our conversation with Chip Margelli,
K7JA, on the passing of his friend - and Ham Radio Outlet founder, Bob
Ferrero, W6RJ. Chip, wasn't one of Bob's passions DX?
(AUDIO OF DON/CHIP 1:44)
Memories of Ham Radio Outlet's Bob Ferrero, W6RJ.
**
NEWSCAST CLOSE
With thanks to Alan Labs; the Alexander Association; the ARRL; Channel
News Asia; Chip Margelli, K7JA, CQ Magazine; Hap Holly and the Rain
Report; The Hindustan Times; Quartzfest; Radio Arcala, Southgate Amateur
Radio News; TWiT TV; weather.com, and you, our listeners, that's all
from the Amateur Radio Newsline.
Our email address is
[email protected]. More information is
available at Amateur Radio Newsline's only official website located at
www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us, or support us at Amateur
Radio Newsline, 28197 Robin Avenue, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
For now, with Caryn Eve Murray, KD2GUT, at the news desk in New York,
and our news team worldwide, I'm Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, in Picayune,
Mississippi, saying 73, and as always, we thank you for listening.
Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.
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